Abstract: An electric coffee maker comprised of a housing, having structure defining a carafe receiving position and support means disposed above the carafe receiving position. A filter/brew funnel dimensioned to be supported by the support means above the carafe receiving position is provided to receive brewing particulate and brewing water. The filter/brew funnel includes an outlet port and valve means operable to pen and close the outlet port. The valve means include a valve, a valve lever supporting the valve, which lever is movable between a first position wherein the valve closes the outlet port and a second position wherein the valve is disposed away from the outlet port, and biasing means for biasing the valve lever toward the first position. An elongated actuator is pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal axis to the housing.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the extraction of espresso coffee from ground coffee beans in which the pressure of extraction is precisely regulated by a pressure valve and is not dependent on coffee grind size, degree of compaction of the coffee grind, or operator skill. A feature of the invention is in an assembly of the brewing chamber and regulator valve for convenient removal and attachment to an espresso machine as a unit without otherwise modifying the machine. The assembly is configurable with the regulator valve within a common housing which also defines the brewing chamber, or with a regulator valve separate from the brewing chamber assembly but attached to an outlet of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of carafes on a coffee machine primarily for restaurant and institution use can be filled selectively with decaffeinated or normal coffee via a distributor between a brewing chamber and the outlets to the carafes. The microprocessor controller operates the device selecting the coffee for delivery to the brewing chamber in response to signals received from the carafes if they are placed at respective stations on the machine so that a decaffeinated carafe at any station will receive only decaf and a normal carafe will receive only normal coffee regardless of the station at which it is placed.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein a coffee maker includes a brew pot formed with a conical upper chamber and a cylindrical lower chamber, wherein the cylindrical lower chamber includes a valve member cooperative with the lower chamber to selectively disrupt and discontinue flow therethrough. The valve member cooperates with a concave deflectable plate mounted therein to receive a shaft to overlie and deflect the plate to disengage flow to a lower conduit formed within the lower chamber.

Abstract: A drink extraction apparatus utilizing a pump for pumping hot water from a hot-water tank and, through a pumping tube, pouring such hot water onto drink material in a drink material container, and for, upon completion of the extraction, sending into such drink material container pressurized air through such pumping tube to cut dripping from a filter by expelling hot water in the drink material residue, the air being pumped directly from the air intake or pumped into an air tank to pressurize the air.

Abstract: A device for preparing hot drinks is disclosed having a liquid-storage vessel 3, an electric heating element 14 arranged therein, a current supply circuit 17 and a collecting vessel 1 for the prepared drink. This device can be used very advantageously, particularly in vehicles. It is characterized in that the storage vessel 3 is designed as a unit separate from the current supply circuit 17 and closed by valve 10-13 which opens irreversibly at a predetermined pressure inside the storage vessel 3, and is provided with contacts 16 for the supply of electrical current which are connected to the heating element 14 via an electric line 15 which is interrupted when the valve 10-13 is opened. The storage vessel 3 is insertable into the collecting vessel 1 in such a way that in an operative position of the storage vessel 3, a collecting space of the collecting vessel 1 is situated essentially below the storage vessel 3.

Abstract: A coffee maker or another beverage brewing apparatus wherein a holder for flavoring agent or a filter in the holder has one or more valve-controlled outlets for gravitational descent of freshly brewed beverage into an open-top vessel beneath the holder. The top of the vessel has a rim and a spout which extends to a level below the rim. In order to automatically open the valve which controls the outlet or outlets, the holder or the housing of the apparatus carries a movable actuator which is engaged by the rim, irrespective of the orientation of the spout, and opens the valve as soon as the open top of the vessel is properly positioned beneath the outlet or outlets. The actuator has a rim-engaging follower the effective length of which in the circumferential direction of the open top of the vessel at least equals but normally exceeds the width of the spout. This ensures that the follower is engaged by the rim in any selected orientation of the vessel.

Abstract: A heat insulated coffee carafe for placement at the brewed coffee outlet of a coffee maker is provided with a securely fitting lid through which the coffee passes directly into the carafe without removal of the lid. When the carafe and its lid are placed in the coffee maker, mutual pressure between the lid and the coffee maker causes seals in the lid to open and permits the coffee to enter the carafe without removing the lid and with a minimal loss of heat and coffee aroma. Removal of the carafe and lid from the coffee maker automatically closes the seals to retain the heat and aroma in the carafe for long periods of use. In another embodiment a positive drip-stop seal in the coffee maker is closed automatically when the carafe is removed, whereby dripping from the coffee maker is prevented. In a further embodiment, a drip-stop seal in the coffee maker and a seal in the lid are both opened when the carafe is installed in the coffee maker.

Abstract: A gravity feed coffeemaker includes a water reservoir disposed above a filter basket in which coffee is brewed. The water reservoir has a valve disposed in its bottom, the valve being controlled to open only after the water held in the reservoir has reached a predetermined temperature to provide a substantially even flow of water at a desired temperature across coffee grounds contained in the filter basket. In one embodiment, the valve includes a bladder that is deformable to open the valve. In a second embodiment, a solenoid valve is employed, the solenoid valve having coils wound about a valve body having a centrally located aperture with a plunger disposed therein. The plunger moves in response to an electromagentic field generated when the coils are energized to open the valve.

Abstract: The infusion beverage maker (1) is composed of a tank (3) supplying water which connects via a water pipe (4) to a continuous flow heater (5). A hot water line (10) emanating from the continuous flow heater (5) terminates into a supply port (11) arranged above the filter unit (12), the said filter unit (12) being detachably mounted on the housing (2) of the infusion beverage maker (1). Fixed to the bottom side (41) of the filter unit (12) is a valve assembly (43) forming a valve (18) and controlling the discharge of the infusion beverage into a storing receptacle (27). For every type of infusion beverage to be prepared, there is provision of one separate filter unit (36) each which, in case of need, can be substituted for the previously used filter unit (12).

Abstract: A beverage making machine includes a housing with structure defining a storing receptacle receiving region and support structure above the storing receptacle receiving region, and filter case structure for releasable engagement with that support structure. The filter case structure has an outlet in which an anti-drip valve is disposed. A valve operating mechanism includes biasing means for biasing the valve to its closed position, and one piece lever structure is connected between the biasing means and the valve for moving the valve to its open position. The one piece lever structure is deflectable about a first axis of rotation by a stop on the housing as the filter case structure is inserted into the beverage making machine without opening said anti-drip valve, and, insertion of the storing receptacle beneath said filter case structure moves the lever about a second axis of rotation to open the anti-drip valve.

Abstract: A percolator holding pan for "espresso" coffee making machines enabling delivery of rich "espresso" coffee with a good flavor irrespective of the coffee powder conditions, such as its grinding grade, moisture content, and possibly the extent of its pressing. The pan comprises a body adapted for fitting to a delivery assembly of an "espresso" coffee maker, and a cavity formed in the body and having a bottom. A cupped percolator for the coffee powder is housed within the cavity. Two "espresso" coffee dispensing spouts are provided, and a liquid path extends through the body between the cupped percolator and the spouts and includes a compartment interposed between the cupped percolator and the bottom, as well as a pressure control provided in the path to control the pressure downstream of the cupped percolator.

Abstract: An appliance for automatically brewing a beverage such as coffee, tea or the like comprising a reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of water, a heating element for heating the water, a container adapted to receive coffee, tea or the like defining a wetting chamber and means for delivering heated water to the wetting chamber. The container includes an outlet port disposed a predetermined distance above the lowest portion of the wetting chamber wherein a predetermined head of water is consistently developed and maintained throughout the brewing cycle.

Abstract: A beverage maker system for installation and use in automotive vehicles including an improved beverage-brewing chamber. The beverage-brewing chamber has an upper brewing chamber area for receiving heated water from a water heater and a lower brewing chamber area for receiving a disposable brew basket. The brew basket holds a filter-like pouch containing powdered or granular beverage making material and the brew basket includes a central top opening for receiving heated water from the upper chamber area, an annular side wall, and a bottom wall having a multiplicity of fluid flow perforations. The bottom wall of the brew basket also includes a central depressed closure portion for seating in and closing a bottom aperture of the beverage-brewing chamber. Shape-memory members of initially reduced height are located within the lower brewing chamber area below the brew basket and are positioned around the closure portion of the bottom wall of the basket.

Abstract: The automatic coffee maker has a saddle valve attachment for connecting it to a cold water line via a small plastic water hose, thereby producing an automatic water supply to the coffee maker. The desired number of cups of coffee can be selected and activated using a dial/pushbutton set of controls. A water level indicator on the water reservoir assembly allows the user to automatically refill the automatic coffee maker in accordance with projected demand for coffee. A light indicator provides a visual cue that the automatic water supply valve is activated. An adjustable cup-setting dial and automatic timer allow the user to select the appropriate water level for the number of cups desired. Water can also be poured into the top of the water reservoir assembly for operation when the automatic coffee maker is not connected to the water supply.

Abstract: A coffee brewing machine utilizes a microprocessor controller and, preferably, preformed coffee filter packs in which the filter packs form a rectangular array. The microprocessor controller regulates the temperature of the prepared coffee in the reservoir at the base of the machine, the operation of the water distributor in the swingable lid or cover of the machine and of other operating conditions thereof.

Abstract: A machine for brewing coffee or other hot beverages has a container for a supply of liquid, a heater, a hollow filter holder which can receive a relatively large quantity of comminuted coffee beans or another flavoring agent, and a riser which conveys heated liquid to the filter holder. The admitted liquid contacts the confined supply of flavoring agent and can be discharged by way of a sealable opening in the bottom wall of the filter holder. If the machine is to brew a single cupful or a similar relatively small quantity of a hot beverage, the holder receives an insert which can hold a small quantity of flavoring agent and is contacted by hot liquid before the liquid enters the interior of the holder where it can be stored or discharged into a cup or another relatively small vessel.

Abstract: A tea making machine wherein the bottom wall of an upper vessel can be used to seal the open top of a lower vessel which contains a supply of water. The upper vessel contains a supply of tea leaves and its bottom wall has an upright tubular portion for a riser with an open upper end in the upper vessel and an open lower end in the lower vessel. The riser is adjustable so that its lower end can be moved to any one of a number of different levels above the bottom of the lower vessel. When the supply of water in the lower vessel is heated, the pressure in the lower vessel rises and boiling water is compelled to flow up the riser and into the upper vessel where it contacts the tea leaves. When the level of the supply of water in the lower vessel descends below the lower end of the riser, such water must be evaporated in order to rise into the upper vessel. The interval which elapses for evaporation determines the steeping time in the upper vessel.

Abstract: A coffee brewing unit is disclosed which enables a brew cycle to be initiated manually or automatically at a preset time, but which prevents a brew cycle from proceeding if a number of required operating conditions are not implemented. If all operating conditions again become implemented after a brew cycle, once underway, is interrupted, the brew cycle continues on to completion. Visual and audible signals indicate the current status of the brew cycle and/or of the brewing unit itself. An insulated carafe is used as the vessel to receive brewed coffee thereby eliminating the need for a warmer plate. The unit may be mounted under a cabinet to thereby maximize usable countertop space and the brew basket utilizes a dispensing valve which is opened by the carafe when inserted into position but which closes when the carafe is withdrawn.

Abstract: A device for making extracts of coffee or tea, including a continuous-flow water heater; a collecting container coupled to the water heater for receiving hot water therefrom; a filter vessel adapted to receive ground coffee or tea leaves; a siphon disposed in the collecting container for discharging hot water from the collecting container into the filter vessel; an outlet pipe forming part of the siphon and projecting into an outlet opening at a lowest location of the collecting container; a seal provided on an exterior surface of the outlet pipe; and a support for axially displaceably holding the outlet pipe. The support has an actuator for moving the outlet pipe into a position in which the seal closes the outlet opening and into another position in which the seal opens the outlet opening for allowing water to be emptied from the collecting container into the filter vessel through the outlet opening.

Abstract: An electrically operated coffee making machine wherein a filter holder for a removable filter is mounted in the housing for pivotal movement about a vertical axis between operative and inoperative positions. The handle of the filter in the filter holder is received in a recess of the housing when the filter holder assumes its operative position in which the outlet of a riser discharges hot water into the supply of comminuted coffee beans in a bag within the filter. The bottom wall of the filter has an outlet which permits freshly brewed coffee to flow through the centrally located opening of a flat cover into a coffee pot when the latter rests on a heating platform on the base of the housing. A pivotable valving element is biased by a spring to seal the outlet in the bottom wall of the filter when the pot and its cover are removed, and a pivotable actuator is mounted in the housing below the recess to pivot the valving element to open position as soon as it is engaged by the flat upper side of the cover, i.e.

Abstract: A tea brewer which automatically inlets a proportion of dilute water and brewing water to a siphon system to brew an extract for blending with the diluting water. The tea brewer includes a hot water tank having a volume of heated water therein and a fill tube for receiving a volume of cold water at the bottom of the hot water tank commensurate with the amount of hot water required to be siphoned therefrom to brew the tea leaves and make the extract. A vent for the hot water tank is provided to ensure that the full amount of hot water is siphoned. A cold water inlet line to the hot water tank is vented whereby to prevent cold water from being siphoned back along the cold water inlet line during the end of the cycle. The tea brewer further includes a line restrictor for creating a venturi effect along the dilute water inlet line. A needle valve is maintained at a slight back pressure in order to prevent starving the cold water inlet line carrying the displacement volume of cold water to the hot water tank.

Abstract: A combination electric coffee maker and water heater including reservoir means for electrically heating a volume of water to be used for brewing coffee or for making an "instant beverage" using powdered material. The reservoir means having a dispensing valve adapted to provide, selectively, either a rapid rate of flow for producing instant beverages or a slow rate of flow for brewing coffee.

Abstract: A vacuum coffee maker including; a first container having a handle on the outer periphery and an opening on the top thereof, a second container in a funnel shape having a handle on the outer periphery thereof and engaging the opening of the first container in a sealed state by a gasket interposed therebetween, wherein the bottom is vertically provided with a pipe, an engagement retaining means, whereby the engagement of the first container with the second container is retained by the gasket being compressed and interposed therebetween, and a heating means having a heater and a heating plate whose outer dimension is greater than that of the bottom of the first container, whereby a liquid inside the first container which is to be mounted on the heating plate is heated, and a control valve which is provided inside the handle of the second container and opened or closed by a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A tea brewing apparatus comprising an upper container for simmering tea therein and a lower container for storing the tea brewed in the upper container. The bottom face of the upper container is provided with a tea dripping hole for allowing tea which was brewed in the upper container to flow into the lower container. A ball-activated sieve with an arched stem is disposed in the upper container and above the dripping holes so as to prevent tea leaves from dropping into the lower container. A steel ball disposed inside the sieve is attached to a distal end of a steel wire encompassed by the stem so that the steel ball seals the dripping hole when it is positioned on the dripping hole. A suspending element is attached to the other distal end of the steel wire outside the upper container so as to remotely control the movements of the sealing ball.

Abstract: A coffee or tea maker for delivering hot water to a pot via a filter vessel comprising a fresh water container; an overflow device disposed for introducing the hot water into the filter vessel when the filter vessel is disposed below a portion of the overflow device, the overflow device including an intermediate vessel having first, second and third passages; a riser pipe disposed between the fresh water container and the intermediate vessel and extending through the first passage; a flow heater for heating the water in the riser pipe; a support location for the pot; a siphon extending through the second passage and disposed for periodically emptying the intermediate vessel; and a ventilation pipe extending through the third passage and having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the ventilation pipe is disposed in the intermediate vessel and the second end of the ventilation pipe is disposed outside of the intermediate vessel; and wherein the intermediate vessel is closed on all sides except for t

Abstract: An espresso and drip coffee maker has a body on which a hanging member is mounted. The hanging member may be rotated to an operative position for hanging removably a coffee bean container on an upper portion of the body. The body includes a water container, a conduit, and an accumulating chamber therein. A two-way valve is provided for guiding the water in the water container through either the conduit or the accumulating chamber into a steam chamber which is communicated with the coffee bean container. A heating pipe is interposed between the conduit and the accumulating chamber for providing heat to the conduit and the accumulating chamber. A check valve is provided for preventing water or steam from flowing back to the water container through the conduit.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a housing which supports a fresh water container above a receptacle for the coffee. A resistive heating element is mounted in the container to heat the water. The bottom of the container is provided by a downwardly sloping element having an outlet to release heated water to a filter vessel which is releasably connected to the bottom element by a bayonet lock. The filter vessel has an upper rim which is pressed toward an annular shoulder on the underside of the bottom element to create a seal, so that a bubble forms beneath the bottom element when coffee is being brewed. The upper side of the bottom element has arms which mount a temperature-sensitive bimetallic snap element over the outlet. A resilient stopper is mounted on the snap element and is raised from the outlet by the snap element when the water is hot enough for coffee.

Abstract: A safety lock in a steam pressure coffee maker is disclosed. The safety lock comprises a piston fitted in an orifice of the coffee maker body. When the pressure in the coffee maker chamber is sufficiently high, the piston is moved causing the piston rod to enter recesses provided along the periphery of a threaded plug which closes the main aperture. With the piston rod in this position, the threaded plug cannot be turned, thereby ensuring that the main aperture remains closed until the high pressure conditions no longer prevail.

Abstract: A siphon coffee maker consists of a lower container into which water is poured and which is heated with an electric heater, an upper container for containing coffee powder, the upper container communicating with the lower container so that hot water is transferred between the containers through a water feed tube due to siphon effects, and a pressure reducing valve which communicates the lower container with the atmosphere. The pressure reducing valve is opened for approximately 60 seconds for a soak-like processing when the temperature of the water reaches approximately 100.degree. C. Alternately, a pressure reducing valve is kept opened from the time when the temperature of the lower container reaches approximately 105.degree. C. to the time when the ingredients extracting operation is completed.

Abstract: A siphon of preheated water to a coffee filter basket is initiated by depression of the same float of the float valve assembly that controls the incoming plumb line to an automatic drip coffee maker.

Abstract: The coffee making apparatus is adapted to be positioned over a serving cup and comprises a mounting plate and funnel unit having a center opening therein and a support shoulder formed on the wall of the opening, an apertured adjustment ring is provided in rotary engagement with the mounting plate adjacent the support shoulder, which mounting plate has a by-pass opening formed in the shoulder and adjacent areas of the plate, which adjustment ring has a variable height outer wall formed on its periphery and constructed to adjustably open or close the end of the by-pass opening when the adjustment ring is rotated to position a taller part of the outer wall against the outlet of the by-pass slot, the shoulder receiving a coffee container and filter unit thereon and in substantial liquid tight association therewith.

Abstract: Electric coffeemaker with anti-drip valve disposed at the outflow opening of its filter funnel, said valve being actuated in a functionally correct manner by a lever system.

Abstract: A machine for preparing hot beverages such as coffee or tea or the like and comprising a casing having a water vessel, a heating element and a delivery line with spout. The water vessel (6) has a bottom opening (18), which is closable by a valve (19), disposed near a tray (25) receiving a predetermined metered volume and is in other respects closed in airtight fashion, and the maximum filling level (Y--Y) in the tray (25), such level corresponding to said volume, is disposed in the plane of the opening (18), the valve (19) being in the closed state and the heating element (27) heating the said volume.

Abstract: A semi-automatic beverage brewing apparatus for brewing a cup to a pot of beverage such as coffee. The apparatus passes a selected quantity of water after heating the water, through a preselected quantity of beverage making material such as freshly ground coffee to brew the coffee. The beverage brewing apparatus includes a filter, a beverage making material holding device, a beverage making material quantity selector and transfer system for automatically measuring and placing a selected quantity of beverage making material from the material holding device into the filter, a liquid holding system, a liquid heater, a liquid quantity selector, heating and transfer system for automatically measuring, heating and placing the selected quantity of liquid on the beverage making material, and an outlet for passing the brewed liquid after it passes through the beverage making material and filter into a cup or pot.

Abstract: An espresso-coffee-making machine, particularly for domestic use, comprises a boiler with electrical heating resistors and a filter cup releasably attached beneath the boiler and connected thereto. The boiler is connected to the filter cup by an upwardly-extending pipe which communicates at its lower end with a lower zone of the boiler for discharging water therefrom, and at its upper end with an upper zone of the boiler located above the maximum level reachable by the water in the boiler, for the subsequent discharge of steam.

Abstract: A method for producing a beverage from an infusible material such as coffee or tea by contacting the material with aqueous medium such as hot water in successive discrete portions, each successive portion re-suspending and re-agitating the material to increase extraction efficiency. The infusible material is preferably enclosed in a disposable brewing container such as a sachet or capsule, the aqueous medium injected therein in successive cycles.

Abstract: The automatic espresso coffee machine brews coffee from coffee pods placed in an extraction head or in a plurality of extraction heads and is characterized in that it comprises an electronic control system, including a microprocessor and memory means, which operate all the operations of the machine. In particular, the machine carries out a continuous control of the water temperature in a boiler in order to keep that temperature in a narrow range of a selected temperature. It also controls the volume of the hot water delivered to each extraction head to be within a narrow range of predetermined volume. The machine diagnoses itself for possible failures and depleted supplies by showing on a display in code the kind of failure or of needed supply, i.e. coffee.

Abstract: A domestic coffee maker has a water reservoir and a water heater housed in the casing, and tubes for feeding water from the reservoir to the heater, and for feeding hot water to a discharge spout. The spout is arranged above a filter for holding ground coffee in a filter cone, and at the bottom of the filter there is an outflow aperture. A coffee jug is arranged to be supported on the casing to receive coffee flowing from the outflow aperture. A closure valve is provided for the outflow aperture and comprises a stopper carried on a pivotally mounted arm. The arm is displaceable by an opening lever mounted to be movable relative to the casing upon the removal from and positioning of the jug on the casing. When the jug is removed the opening lever displaces the arm such that the outflow aperture is closed by the jug.

Abstract: An espresso machine has a coffee brewing chamber, a water reservoir and a water heater. Two electrical pumps are provided, one capable of supplying a smaller quantity of water from the reservoir via the heater to the brewing chamber so as to make a regular-strength coffee beverage, and the other capable of supplying a considerably larger quantity of water from the reservoir via the heater to the brewing chamber, so as to make a weaker-strength coffee beverage from an identical quantity of coffee. A selector at the outside of the machine allows a user to select which one of the pumps he wishes to energize.

Abstract: There is provided a coffee maker including a housing and a filtering assembly removably suspendible in the housing. The filtering assembly comprises a filter vessel and a surrounding filter-vessel holder, the respective bottoms of each being provided with an outlet and being spaced from each other. An upright partition on the filter-vessel holder bottom divides such space into a discharge section and a drip reservoir. An upright pin extends from the filter-vessel holder bottom for engagement with the filter vessel outlet. The filter vessel and the filter-vessel holder are rotatable with respect to each other to vary the position of the upright pin for control of the rate of coffee flow through the discharge section and also alternatively to position the filter vessel outlet over the drip reservoir.

Abstract: A coffee maker has a reservoir for water connected to a conduit which terminates above a holder for coffee grounds which sits atop a coffee carafe. A heater is provided in this conduit which can heat the water therein and displace it along the conduit into the coffee-ground holder. The heater is energized for a brief period of time to supply a small quantity of the water to the coffee-ground holder, and is then shut down so that this limited quantity of water can brew with and pass through the ground coffee. Thereafter the heater is again energized to heat and displace the rest of the liquid in the reservoir into the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion apparatus, particularly such an apparatus for brewing coffee or the like where a receptacle such as a coffee basket is mounted on a water heating apparatus and a carafe is positioned underneath the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is made with relatively movable walls so that the cross-sectional area transverse to the direction of flow of liquid may be varied to vary the depth of infusion bed for a given quantity of coffee or the like in the chamber. Two movable walls are disclosed together with an actuating mechanism with the movable walls and the actuating mechanism being of simple construction and readily assembled so that the use of screws, rivets, and so forth is not required. The relatively movable walls are actuated by a rotatable plate connected to the walls which are positioned internally of the infusion chamber with rotation of the plate moving the walls toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A coffeemaker having a ground coffee basket, a brewing water spreader positioned on top of the ground coffee basket and a brewed coffee container positioned below the basket wherein a unique brew control cap is positioned on the spreader for controlling the amount of heated brewing water that is permitted to flow to the coffee grounds within the basket or is diverted through a by-pass passage to the brewed coffee container without extracting coffee from the ground coffee. A plurality of spaced openings are formed in a wall of the cap for selective registry with one, two or more spaced openings that are formed in a wall of the spreader so that movement of the wall of the cap with respect to the spreader will uncover one, two or more of the openings to permit more or less heated water to flow to ground coffee within the basket to thereby regulate the strength of the brewed coffee within the coffee container that is positioned below the coffee basket.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus comprising a fixed, hermetically sealable, thermostatically controlled, water-heating, electric kettle mounted above a removable infusion vessel in which the beverage is prepared using hot water which syphons from the kettle via a syphon tube into the vessel through an opening in the top thereof. The syphon tube, which is in a generally vertical plane, has an upper part which is coiled and extends through a base of the kettle to discharge the water into the opening in the vessel.

Abstract: Drip coffee makers now available cannot brew good quality coffee infusions in a smaller quantity than the nominal capacity for which the coffee maker was designed. This application discloses a selectively utilized filter area limiting device disposed within the brewing chamber of a drip coffee maker with micropore filter which permits brewing an optimum aqueous coffee infusion in lesser quantity than the nominal capacity of the drip coffee maker. This is accomplished by sealing off a portion of the outlet filter and, thus limiting its effective usable area. By limiting the liquid flow through the filter to a pre-selected level, it becomes possible to maintain the total time of flow within the desired limits of an optimum coffee brewing cycle regardless of the number of cups desired.